Our Group is led by Professor Patricia Barral. We are interested in understanding the cellular mechanisms that initiate and shape immunity in the tissues, particularly focussing on the biology and function of unconventional T cells (NKT cells, MAIT cells) in the context of infection, inflammation and cancer.
People
PhD Student
Professor of Immunobiology
PhD Student
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Projects
Immunity in the intestine
We are investigating the mechanisms that regulate unconventional T cell functions in intestinal immunity. Through this work we have identified the cellular crosstalk controlling the activation of lipid-reactive NKT cells and explored the mechanisms by which NKT cells modulate intestinal epithelial cell fate and contribute to the establishment of intestinal homeostasis. We are currently investigating novel mechanisms by which NKT cells regulate epithelial regeneration in the context of intestinal inflammation.
Metabolic regulation of Immunity in cancer
While lipids have been traditionally regarded as quiescent components of cell membranes, in recent years it has become clear that lipid metabolism and the cellular lipid status play central roles in the regulation of immune cell activation and function. Our lab has recently identified a novel mechanistic link between innate immunity and cellular lipid metabolism. We are now exploring the mechanisms by which tissue derived signals control the immune lipidome, and how this in turn regulates immune cell activation and the outcome of immune responses particularly in the context of cancer.
Immunity in the skin
The skin is a complex immunological niche containing high numbers of immune cells that regulate skin homeostasis and protect from external insults. Unconventional T cells are present in the skin where they play a central role in the pathogenesis of skin diseases including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. We aim to address how the interplay between unconventional T cell and the skin microbiome regulates skin health.
Publications
News
King's researchers explain how lipids can control the immune response
The new paper from Dr Phillip Brailey, Dr Lauren Evans & Dr Patricia Barral highlights how lipids change the behaviour of macrophages which influences the...
People
PhD Student
Professor of Immunobiology
PhD Student
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Projects
Immunity in the intestine
We are investigating the mechanisms that regulate unconventional T cell functions in intestinal immunity. Through this work we have identified the cellular crosstalk controlling the activation of lipid-reactive NKT cells and explored the mechanisms by which NKT cells modulate intestinal epithelial cell fate and contribute to the establishment of intestinal homeostasis. We are currently investigating novel mechanisms by which NKT cells regulate epithelial regeneration in the context of intestinal inflammation.
Metabolic regulation of Immunity in cancer
While lipids have been traditionally regarded as quiescent components of cell membranes, in recent years it has become clear that lipid metabolism and the cellular lipid status play central roles in the regulation of immune cell activation and function. Our lab has recently identified a novel mechanistic link between innate immunity and cellular lipid metabolism. We are now exploring the mechanisms by which tissue derived signals control the immune lipidome, and how this in turn regulates immune cell activation and the outcome of immune responses particularly in the context of cancer.
Immunity in the skin
The skin is a complex immunological niche containing high numbers of immune cells that regulate skin homeostasis and protect from external insults. Unconventional T cells are present in the skin where they play a central role in the pathogenesis of skin diseases including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. We aim to address how the interplay between unconventional T cell and the skin microbiome regulates skin health.
Publications
News
King's researchers explain how lipids can control the immune response
The new paper from Dr Phillip Brailey, Dr Lauren Evans & Dr Patricia Barral highlights how lipids change the behaviour of macrophages which influences the...
Our Partners
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Contact us
We are based at King's College London, Guy's Campus, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT and at the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT.
Bluesky: @barrallab.bsky.social